Server access licences (CALs) give users or devices the right to connect to Microsoft server software. Our range of over 1,000 Microsoft licences suits small businesses adding staff to an existing server, as well as IT teams licensing larger Windows Server, Remote Desktop Services or database environments.
How to choose a server access licence
User or device CAL. A user CAL covers one named person on any number of devices, which suits staff who work from a laptop, a desktop and a phone. A device CAL covers one device used by any number of people, which fits shared workstations such as a reception desk or a shift-based terminal.
Server product. A CAL is written for a specific server product, so a Windows Server CAL does not cover SQL Server or Exchange Server. Check which server software your users actually connect to before you order.
Version. As a general rule, the CAL version must be the same as or newer than the server version it connects to. A CAL for an older release will not cover a newer server, so look at the version your server runs and think about whether an upgrade is planned.
Remote desktop access. Users who connect to remote desktops or published applications usually need Remote Desktop Services CALs in addition to the standard Windows Server CAL. Count these separately from your general access licences.
Quantity. Count everyone who will connect, including part-time staff and regular contractors, then leave some room for growth. CALs are commonly sold in packs of several licences, so check how many each listing covers before you compare options.
Brands we carry
- Microsoft: publisher of Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server and SharePoint Server, and the company that sets the CAL licensing rules for them. Every licence in this category carries the Microsoft name, so the decision comes down to the server product, version and licence type.
There are no other brands in this category.
Frequently asked questions about server access licences
What is a CAL?
A CAL, or client access licence, is a licence that allows a user or a device to access a server running Microsoft software. It is separate from the server licence itself. The server licence covers the software on the machine, while CALs cover the people or devices that connect to it.
Do I need a CAL for every employee?
You need a CAL for every user or device that accesses the server, not necessarily for every employee. If only some staff connect to the server, only they need licences. If people share devices, device CALs may need fewer licences than user CALs, and the reverse is true when each person uses several devices.
Does the CAL version have to match the server version?
The CAL version must be the same as or newer than the server version. A CAL for an older release does not cover a newer server. If you expect to upgrade the server soon, buying CALs for the newer version avoids having to licence twice.
Do I need Remote Desktop Services CALs as well as Windows Server CALs?
Yes, in most cases. Users who connect to a Windows Server remote desktop session need a Remote Desktop Services CAL on top of the Windows Server CAL that covers basic access. Check the licensing terms for your server version to confirm how many of each you need.
